Robert D's Page

Since I was in the Air Force I think things are a lot different by listening to all the salty dogs talk here on Navy Dads. I called when I could. Like here in Great Lakes we were at the mercy of our flight leaders when it came to making calls. In the Air Force they use the term flight instead of division.

The second half of bootcamp is all go, go, go. For us bootcamp was only 6 weeks. In the second half we had the obstacle course, physical fitness, final exams, barracks inspections, 2 retreat ceremonies, and a parade to march before we got to graduation. For us it was passing the final exam. We didn't have anything like battle stations to get through. I bet that is hard and a rush all at the same time. Sometimes I wish the Air Force was more like the other services. Since it is the youngest service, being just over 60 years old, there isn't as much traditions as in the other services.

I'm betting their last 2 or 3 weeks they are so busy they don't have much time to think about much else but what they are doing and what is coming up. It should be a fun time for them. Maybe exhausting at time, but fun.

Talk to you later!

Gatesville is only about 40 mins from me... I'm a Physical Therapist & I've worked in their nursing homes before; but that was a long time ago... I don't know anyone that lives there now that I'm aware of....

Also; It's been 2.5 yrs since my son's PIR so I'm sure some things have changed; but one thing for sure I'm sure the security is still tight....

What is your son's rate & where will he be training???

Gino's is a great place to eat & we also ate at a Steak house that is close to the Gurnee Mall (which is a fantastic mall/HUGE) that is really good too... As far as advice for PIR??? Get there EARLY!!!!!!!! It's a great experience & it gets very crowded.... Have a great time...

Just wanted to say congrats on your sailor to be.... The next few wks will go by pretty fast... & PIR is an event you will never forget... My Sailor is now in the fleet... He's been in Japan 2 yrs & he's on his second ship... He loves it there & having a great time....

Hi Larry,
So glad that you heard from Travis. It's so hard to go back to old-school communication in this age of texting and cell phones, especially when they are away for something like this.
Good Luck, hope to see you in Great Lakes.

Hello Robert,
Sam is going to A-school for IT training after BC. His first letter made it seem like DIV 321 was having a lot of trouble working together, getting along or staying out of trouble. I think this is somewhat normal. His last communication stated that it is getting better in those regards, however, he did mention getting yelled at a LOT. Looking forward to seeing everyone.
Doug

Also go through these posts in this discussion...in particular Larry's last post as you'll get an idea about leters and early bootcamp days for your son.

Robert-- be sure to spend a lot of time reading the past posts in the PIR - Tips and Hints Group for ideas and suggestions. There is also a lot of discussion at various posts in the Bootcamp group, though not so much as the PIR group.

Hi Robert -
I think that this is probably the best way to do that - through Navy Dad's (or Navy Mom's ... you don't necessarily have to be a mom to get on that site). I am sure that Travis will write as soon as he can. My son, Chris seems to really like the Navy thus far and was "promoted" to Port Watch about 2 weeks ago. He is getting very little sleep so his time is even more precious (and he has even less time to write). We are the same though - every day I come home from work and ask if we have a letter from Chris. It is really hard during this period but we are getting close to his graduation (September 3), so I am really looking forward to that. My 16 year old som and I will be headed to Great Lakes for that!
Please let us know when you get your first letter - in the mean time, I will be thinking of you and Travis.
Best wishes,
George